The DHL Stormers head into Belfast on Friday night knowing the United Rugby Championship playoffs are drawing closer like a defensive line rushing off the gainline. Every collision now carries extra weight and every point feels as precious as territory in the final minutes of a Test match.
At the heart of the challenge stands veteran flanker Deon Fourie, who will captain the Stormers in his 140th appearance for the franchise when they tackle Ulster at the Affidea Stadium.
The 38-year-old warrior steps into the leadership role following the calf injury suffered by regular skipper Ruhan Nel. Fourie’s influence remains as relentless as a jackal over the ball, bringing steel, grit and calm leadership to a side chasing momentum in the closing stages of the league season.
Powerhouse No 8 Evan Roos also reaches a notable milestone. The Springbok loose forward will make his 73rd start in the Stormers jersey at the back of the scrum, drawing level with Duane Vermeulen’s record in the position. Roos has become the engine room piston of the Cape side, carrying defenders like driftwood in heavy surf.
Deon Fourie captains in Belfast on Friday night as Ruhan Nel misses out this week due to a calf injury.
📢 Team announcement https://t.co/JalkvpTrx4
📺 Live on @SuperSportTV #ULSvSTO #inittogether @Vodacom #URC pic.twitter.com/MKxebmWt9u— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) May 7, 2026
Director of Rugby John Dobson expects a fierce contest against an Ulster side eager to defend home turf.
“We have been forced to make a few changes, but we are excited about what this team can do and we know it will take the best of us to get the win,” Dobson told the Stormers website.
“As we get closer to the playoffs, the stakes get higher each week and this is a crucial match in the context of our season.”
The Stormers backline carries a fresh look after Nel’s injury reshuffle. Damian Willemse moves to inside centre, Dan du Plessis shifts outside him and Warrick Gelant returns at fullback to provide his trademark counter-attacking spark. Gelant’s running game can split defensive systems open like a grubber slicing through wet grass.
Young scrumhalf Imad Khan earns a starting role alongside playmaker Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, whose boot and vision remain central to the visitors’ attacking rhythm.
Up front, Sazi Sandi joins Andre-Hugo Venter and Ntuthuko Mchunu in the front row, while Ruben van Heerden and Adre Smith continue their growing second-row partnership.
The Stormers bench also carries significant firepower, with Hacjivah Dayimani, Paul de Villiers and Keke Morabe poised to inject pace and energy when the battle enters its bruising final quarter.
Ulster Team
15 Michael Lowry, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Ethan McIlroy, 12 Jude Postlethwaite, 11 Zac Ward, 10 Jack Murphy, 9 Nathan Doak, 8 Juarno Augustus, 7 Nick Timoney, 6 Cormac Izuchukwu, 5 Charlie Irvine, 4 Iain Henderson (c), 3 Tom O’Toole, 2 James McCormick, 1 Angus Bell.
Bench: 16 Tom Stewart, 17 Eric O’Sullivan, 18 Scott Wilson, 19 Harry Sheridan, 20 Bryn Ward, 21 Conor McKee, 22 Jake Flannery, 23 Wilhelm de Klerk.
Stormers Team
15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Wandisile Simelane, 13 Dan du Plessis, 12 Damian Willemse, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Imad Khan, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Deon Fourie (c), 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 Adre Smith, 3 Sazi Sandi, 2 Andre-Hugo Venter, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Replacements: 16 Paul de Villiers, 17 Oli Kebble, 18 Zachary Porthen, 19 Connor Evans, 20 Hacjivah Dayimani, 21 Keke Morabe, 22 Stefan Ungerer, 23 Jurie Matthee.
Photo Credit: x.com/THESTORMERS
